Cancer Survivor Readies for Charity Walk

For at least one Temecula resident, the upcoming Walk for Hope in San Diego has a personal meaning.

City of Hope’s San Diego Walk for Hope is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 21 at Point Loma Nazarene University. Event-day signup opens at 7 a.m., according to an organizer.

The event aims to raise money for breast and gynecological cancer, said Veronica Cardenas, spokesperson for the event.

This is a mission worth walking for, Temecula resident Belinda Campbell said in a press announcement.

At age 37 and with two young children, Campbell was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy in December 2001 followed by chemotherapy treatment and radiation in April 2002.

When she was pregnant with her third child in May 2003, Campbell was diagnosed with breast cancer that spread to her lymph nodes. Her oncologist recommended chemotherapy treatment without the risk of harming her baby.

At eight months, Campbell gave birth to a healthy baby boy and proceeded with radiation, which she completed in September 2004.

During a self-breast exam, Campbell discovered a noticeable lump in her breast in June 2006, which was

confirmed by her oncologist. Surgeons removed the tumor and additional tissue under her arm. She completed chemotherapy treatment in January 2007.

After undergoing such extensive treatment, Campbell resolved to stay healthy. So, she

gave herself routine breast exams and encouraged her stepdaughters to do the same, one of whom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 at the same time she was.

She also sees her oncologist every six months.

Today, the three-time breast cancer survivor is doing all she can to raise awareness and learn more about the disease. As an employee for California Bank & Trust and a spokesperson for the Walk for Hope team, she will join with her family, friends and colleagues in the walk.

“As a mother and sister, she dedicates this Walk for Hope to future generations of young girls and women who will be able to prevent cancer,” said Cardenas, who spoke on behalf of Campbell. “She walks in honor of her co-workers who were diagnosed with cancer, two of which unfortunately lost their battle.”

The organization lets walkers register, form a team and raise funds online. To register, click here.

www.walk4hope.org

The walk features activities for survivors, friends and familes, including giveaways, a survivors’ pavilion, live music and entertainment and team photos.

An additional walk, called the “4K Coastal Challenge,” will wind through the hills, and the “2K Scenic Stride” will be a short, leisurely walk.

Excitement was high before the race for other participants as well.

“We’re excited to go ’all in‘ for women’s cancers and City of Hope,” said Tracy Powell, senior vice president and sales and service manager of California Bankand Trust San Diego Division in an announcement. “Walk for Hope is making a difference in the lives of women everywhere by supporting research that is bringing us closer to cures for breast and gynecological cancers.”

All the proceeds go to the City of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to women’s cancer research.

"City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program conducts innovative research to provide effective interventions for women with, or at risk for, breast and gynecological cancers," said Joanne Mortimer, M.D., director of City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program. "We are grateful for the support our program has received through Walk for Hope, which enables us to provide a continuum of care from research to risk assessment, prevention, treatment, education and survivorship.”